Audi Q1 Crossover Rumors Return: Report

Another rumor regarding the Audi Q1 subcompact crossover has surfaced.

This time, Auto Bild reports that the Q1 will debut in 2016, and will be based on the Volkswagen Polo's platform.

The Polo platform will make the Q1 small enough to slot under the Q3 in Audi's crossover lineup, but the smaller vehicle might be lacking in capability: the Q1 will reportedly be front-wheel drive only.

Buyers will at least be able to choose from two 1.4-liter, 90 horsepower engines -- a gasoline four-cylinder and a TDI three-cylinder -- both linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

However, we've heard plenty of rumors about a possible Q1 that turned out to be just that.

Audi executives have been dropping hints about a Q1 crossover since at least last year, when they said such a vehicle could be built on the A1 platform and would be a logical extension to Audi's crossover lineup.

Another report said the crossover would actually be called Q2, and would ride on a platform derived partly from Volkswagen's new MQB architecture. An engine selection shared with the A1 and optional all-wheel drive would reportedly be part of the deal.

The Q2 was reportedly pushed back until 2015, possibly pending more favorable market conditions. The Polo-based Q1 bears little resemblance to that car, so either Audi decided to start completely from scratch, or the rumor mill is still turning.